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Women Know Breast Cancer Risks, But Don't Act
5 Oct
Summary
- Most US women know breast cancer risk factors but don't act.
- Only 27% of surveyed women met exercise recommendations.
- Many women unaware breastfeeding reduces breast cancer risk.
A recent survey indicates that most U.S. women are aware of factors contributing to breast cancer risk, yet a considerable number are not taking proactive steps to mitigate these risks. The American Cancer Society (ACS), which sponsored the survey, noted this "gap" between knowledge and action as a key finding.
Published on October 1, 2026, the survey involved 33,000 American women. While 99% recognized family history as a factor, 85% of breast cancers occur in women without a family history. Alarmingly, only 27% of women met the recommended weekly exercise minutes, despite 91% knowing exercise helps prevent breast cancer.
Furthermore, 85% of women knew alcohol consumption increases breast cancer risk, yet 69% reported drinking. A significant 45% were unaware that breastfeeding lowers a woman's risk. The ACS emphasizes that some risk factors, such as aging and genetics, are unmodifiable, but many are preventable through lifestyle changes.
